Orengo defends his statement on Railas 2022 presidential bid

Senate Minority leader James Orengo has defended his sentiments that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) should field Opposition chief Raila Odinga as their candidate in the 2022 presidential race.

Addressing the media in Kisumu on Monday evening, Orengo said he made a personal opinion and he is entitled to such, adding that Odinga should be kept out of the debate.

He noted that it is evident that most politicians especially in the Rift Valley are already making political statements in regard to the 2022 polls, adding that he also spoke his mind

“What I was saying was my own opinion and I am entitled to give my personal opinion. I was talking as James Orengo. As to matters 2022 we all have our personal opinions and there are many people who have already put their names on the table,” said Orengo.

“But there are some people who are actually interested in Raila saying he will not run in 2022. That is his choice. But from my own proposition I am saying, that having been in this struggle and the struggle for reform that it be good for the pro-change movement in this country that he is a candidate for 2022.”

The Siaya senator maintains that he still supports the ongoing unity talks and plans between Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Orengo wondered why people are concerned with his statement yet many individuals have already been mentioned as having interest in the presidency.

On Sunday, Mr. Odinga, through his spokesman Dennis Onyango, distanced himself from the alleged 2022 presidential ambitions, saying he had not declared such a position.

“His Excellency Hon. Raila Odinga has read in today’s Sunday Standard a headline purporting that he intends to run for the Presidency of Kenya in 2022. The headline is based on an alleged position held by the Orange Democratic Movement and other persons identified as his closest allies,” read a statement issued by Mr. Onyango.

According to the former premier’s aide, Odinga is currently focused on the unity process he initiated together with President Uhuru Kenyatta.